- One hundred jobs created and more on the way, says Digital Jersey
- States funded organisation aims to ‘support and encourage growth in technological businesses in the Island’
- 250 more jobs could be created in the near future
MORE than 100 jobs have been created in the Island’s technology sector so far this year and 250 more could be created in the near future, according to a report released by Digital Jersey.
The States-funded organisation was established in 2012 and seeks to support and encourage growth in technological businesses in the Island.
Director Andy Jarrett said that the creation of jobs was due to a combination of companies locating to the Island, existing companies expanding their workforce and new companies being set up.
He said: ‘The increase is in line with the objectives set out by Digital Jersey. It is important that we continue to help technology businesses to find and nurture talent.’
‘When we are “building Skyscrapers”, things will not happen straight away.
We have been building foundations for
quite some time and now we are beginning
to see some growth on top of that.’
In 2013 it was reported that Digital Jersey was facing an uphill struggle due to a shortage of skilled workers within the tech sector. Mr Jarrett said: ‘We are planning to run several initiatives, including a number of internships which should encourage graduates to come from outside the Island.
‘We work closely with the States’ Population Office, who help us when we cannot find talent and need to bring it in from elsewhere. It is a challenge for tech hubs in London to get skilled workers, and it’s even more difficult for us in Jersey.
‘One of the things we are currently looking at is building relationships with universities to encourage talented people to come here.’
Mr Jarrett added that a ‘fundamental issue’ was Jersey-born graduates leaving the Island and working elsewhere.
He said: ‘Tech businesses do not necessarily want people with technology or IT-based degrees. There is also room for maths- and science-based qualifications which are easily transferable. From speaking to local tech businesses, we have forecast that there will be about 250 more jobs in 12 months.
In its half year update the document showed that financial technology, also known as fintech, made up the majority of jobs created, with 44 employees currently employed in the sector.
The report also stated that 75 of the 116 jobs had been created by new rather than existing businesses.
